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Myles Garrett trade could give Lions a critical test of Penei Sewell move

A postseason matchup against the Rams will be a critical test for Penei Sewell and the Lions' offensive line.
ByCaden Handwork|
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Feb 12, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Cleveland Browns player Myles Garrett in attendance at the women's halfpipe final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Feb 12, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Cleveland Browns player Myles Garrett in attendance at the women's halfpipe final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Snow Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Shockwaves were sent across the NFL on Monday afternoon as the Los Angeles Rams acquired seven-time Pro Bowler and 2025 Defensive Player of the Year winner defensive end Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. 

While every opposing AFC North quarterback has gasped a sigh of relief with Garrett's departure from the Browns, the rest of the NFC could be in a whole lot of trouble. The Rams' chances of winning the Super Bowl at their home stadium for just the second time in six seasons have improved as a result of Garrett's addition. 

The Detroit Lions, who are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs and finishing last in their division, are among the NFC teams with Super Bowl aspirations that look to knock off the Rams.

Penei Sewell makes the move to left tackle

Last season, Penei Sewell played right tackle for the Lions. However, given the offensive line’s recent struggles and the loss of veteran Taylor Decker this offseason, the Lions are moving Sewell to the left tackle position. 

This switch could not only strengthen the Lions' offensive line's consistency next season but also benefit the team if they play against Garrett in the postseason. Having a talented offensive lineman like Sewell as the Lions' blindside blocker will suit the Lions well when going up against talented defensive ends such as Garrett. 

READ MORE: Lions' biggest positional battle might not be that complicated to figure out

When the Lions beat the Cleveland Browns 34-10 last season at Ford Field, the Lions' offensive line performed well against Garrett, as he recorded only two quarterback hits and one tackle for loss. If they match up against the Rams, the Lions hope to put on a similar performance.  

The switch to left tackle isn’t new for Sewell. During his remarkable college career with the Oregon Ducks, Sewell played left tackle on several occasions. Sewell’s production and consistency at the left tackle position at Oregon are one of several reasons why the Lions chose to select him with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the first of the Brad Holmes era.

How Lions offensive line matches up against Garrett

The Lions aren’t slated to match up against the Rams in the regular season, but could very well face them in the playoffs if they have the bounce-back year that fans are hoping for. After a rough performance last year, the Lions' offensive line enters the season with many questions. 

Sewell, Christian Mahogany, and Tate Ratledge are all set to return on the Lions' offensive line this season. To strengthen their offensive line, the Lions also added Carolina Panthers center Cade Mays in free agency. They selected right tackle Blake Miller from the Clemson Tigers with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, adding youth to the offensive line as well.

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